Employees celebrating 25 years of service: N - Z
Kathy Norman
To Kathy Norman, her co-workers in Neuroradiology are family. "I truly enjoy the 'neuro family,' as I have been supporting the faculty within this Division since starting at UT Southwestern in 1992," says Ms. Norman, a Senior Administrative Associate in the Department of Radiology who provides administrative support for the Neuroradiology Division Chief and faculty. She also supervises three administrative assistants. "I love the opportunities for growth that have been available to me throughout the years and also the challenges that come across my desk," Ms. Norman adds. Co-workers describe Ms. Norman as knowledgeable, positive, and helpful. Away from work, she enjoys cooking, attending Drum Corps International shows, and watching NFL football - she is a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Her son, Tyler, is a junior at the University of North Texas studying music and kinesiology-sports medicine. She envisions UTSW in the next 75 years to have a "massive campus with advanced medical facilities/technologies to optimize all patient outcomes."
Tita Ostonal
In 1993, Tita Ostonal began her UT Southwestern career as an RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The job has a particular perk that she wouldn't trade for the world: seeing parents connect with a new baby for the first time. "That feeling of fulfillment I get from handing a new parent their baby to hold for the first time after seeing their baby so sick and seeing the tears form - it's an awesome feeling," she says. Now 25 years later, Ms. Ostonal is an RN II in Presurgery testing, where she prepares and assesses patients physically, psychologically, and emotionally before surgery. She attributes her longevity to the prestige and benefits of working at UT Southwestern. Ms. Ostonal is known for her compassion and kindness. "I always empathize with my patient and family," she says. Co-workers also appreciate her baking talents - and willingness to share her delicious desserts. Away from work, Ms. Ostonal enjoys decorating her home, gardening, playing guitar, and listening to music. Her family includes two children and two grandchildren.
Sangeeta Patel
In 25 years, Sangeeta Patel's UT Southwestern career has come full circle. She began in 1993 as a Cytogenetics Technician. From 2012-2017 she worked as a Cytogenetics Supervisor. Recently, she decided to step down to a Cytogenetics Technologist role within Clinical Laboratory Services to enjoy more family time. Her journey has been packed with learning technical and administrative skills as well as forming lifelong friendships with co-workers and clients. "It's amazing to see many individuals pull together with their talents to work toward the single purpose of patient care," Ms. Patel says. "When my close family member had a medical emergency, I was very touched by the way the UT Southwestern community came together at our time of need," she adds. With her physical and mental strength, co-workers consider her invincible. She describes herself as "the most sociable introvert." Ms. Patel's family includes her husband of 27 years, a son, a daughter, and a cat named Gus. Away from work, she enjoys cooking great meals for her loved ones. "I'd love to start a food truck business one of these days," Ms. Patel says.
Jain Philipose
Jain Philipose, RN, B.S.N., has worked in the same unit for 25 years. The Ob/Gyn nurse began as an RN at the former St. Paul University Hospital in 1992 and now takes care of mothers and their newborns at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. What has kept her at UT Southwestern for so many years? The patient population and job satisfaction, she says, adding that the most rewarding part of her work is "when newborns make eye contact with me and smile." Co-workers describe Mrs. Philipose as both caring and humorous. "Life is too short to be serious all the time," she notes. Her greatest claim to fame is her faith, and outside of work, her passions include church, family, and reading. "I have been married for 29 years," she says. "I have two sons who are both nurses, and one works at Zale Lipshy University Hospital." In the next 75 years, Mrs. Philipose expects UT Southwestern to be "the best hospital on the planet."
Michelle Raines
Michelle Raines, RN, B.S.N., is an Assistant Nurse Manager in 6 South at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital who is celebrating her 25th year in nursing at UT Southwestern. Ms. Raines began in 1992 as a Staff Nurse at UTSW, and the "amazing team" she works with has kept her on campus ever since. She enjoys the relationships she and her team in the Obstetrics unit build with patients. "It is very rewarding when patients come back to have subsequent babies because they had such a great first experience," she says. "Also, it's great to have patients bring the babies back to the unit for a 'visit' and see how they are thriving." Away from work, Ms. Raines enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
John Ritter
After beginning as a Research Assistant I in the Andrology Lab, John Ritter is now Senior Research Scientist in the Transgenic Technology Center in the Department of Biochemistry. He manages the lab for the Transgenic Core Facility, "where we introduce gene modifications into mice using a combination of traditional and the latest CRISPR genetic engineering techniques," he says. Co-workers might be surprised to learn he has an identical twin. Both serve in the U.S. Army. "However, Joe outranks me. He is a Colonel and I'm a Major," says Mr. Ritter, the 2001 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for the 807th Medical Command. While co-workers liken him to "Cookie Monster" because of his affinity for sweets, he would rather be known as a Texas Rangers baseball fan. In addition to 25 years with UTSW, Mr. Ritter and wife, Julia, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in June. They have two children: Justin is studying computer science at Baylor University, and Jordan is studying art history at UT Austin. "UT Southwestern has been very, very good to me," he says. "A special thanks to Drs. Bob Hammer, Carole Mendelson, and Steve McKnight!"
Linda Robles
Linda Robles began her UT Southwestern career in Housekeeping in 1992. Among her special memories: "One day when I was working and everyone, including patients, remembered me by name. It made me smile the whole day to feel so important," she says. Since then, Ms. Robles has been promoted to the Support Service Rapid Response Team (SSRRT) in the Environmental Service Department, where her responsibilities include talking to patients and making sure they are satisfied with their services while hospitalized. "I like hearing positive things about our hospital," she says. While co-workers describe her as "awesome," she hopes to also be known as an employee who makes a difference. Her family includes an uncle and a brother. Outside of work, Ms. Robles has a passion for cats.
Leelamma Samuel
Leelamma Samuel, RN, B.S.N., CMSRN, says UT Southwestern is her second home. "I love my job. I have been fortunate to be around an educated and positive group of co-workers and bosses," she says. Mrs. Samuel is a Charge Nurse and Preceptor in the Transplant Unit. Highlights of her 25-year UTSW career include receiving the Meritorious Service Award in 2009, a Gold PACT Service Award in 2013, a Silver PACT Service Award in 2017 and, in January, recognition as Team Player of the Month. Mrs. Samuel is known for being compassionate, friendly, and rational. "Compassionate because I advocate for my patients as if they are my own family," she explains. "Friendly and rational because through any situation, whether it be stressful or not, if I can keep my calm, address concerns effectively, and stay focused, then I have done my job." Her passions include going to church, reading, cooking, and spending time with her missionary husband, two sons, and two daughters. She adds: "People would be surprised to know that in 2011 I was diagnosed with cancer, in 2012 I got accepted into Grand Canyon University's B.S.N. program, and in 2013 I graduated - all while going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments."
Sylvia Barron Schmidt
Sylvia Barron Schmidt fell in love - literally - at UT Southwestern. One day at work, she met Chad Schmidt on the fifth floor of the James W. Aston Ambulatory Care Center. "He was one of the guys moving us to the seventh floor," she recalls. "Once we were all moved in, he came to the clinic and asked me to lunch. We have been together ever since." Married 22 years, the couple has two daughters - Lauren and Olivia - and a grandson, Aaron. As Senior Administrative Assistant in Neurosurgery, Mrs. Schmidt's job is to make sure the clinic runs smoothly. Co-workers describe her as "Superwoman" because "I get the job done," she says. Mrs. Schmidt, who began working in Otolaryngology in 1992, says amazing co-workers have kept her at UTSW. Career highlights include receiving the 2010 Meritorious Service Award and being named Employee of the Month. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her grandson and sewing. Looking ahead to the next 75 years: "I see UT Southwestern as a leading facility in all aspects of medicine and achieving great research and cures for many illnesses," she says.
Bridget Scott
A couple of years after graduating from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Bridget Scott was hired as an RN intern in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at the former St. Paul University Hospital. The people she works with, she says, are what have kept her at UT Southwestern for 25 years. An RN II in the Cardiovascular ICU at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, she works as a Staff Nurse and Relief Charge Nurse. Co-workers describe her as reliable and fair. Ms. Scott - a past recipient of the Diana and Richard C. Strauss Service Excellence Award that recognizes outstanding patient care - is proud of the good care she gives her patients. She says co-workers might be surprised to learn that she's not as serious as she seems at work. "I love sports, especially football and baseball," she adds. "My favorite sports team is the Dallas Cowboys."
Beatrice Marie Sneed Shaw
Beatrice Marie Sneed Shaw, an Administrative Assistant in the Pulmonary Lab at Professional Office Building 1, schedules patients for pulmonary tests and treatments with the antifungal drug pentamidine. She started working in the Pulmonary Lab in 1992 at the former St. Paul University Hospital. Over the years, the many transplant patients she has interacted with have kept her at UT Southwestern. Known as "Sweet Ms. Bea" and "Sweet Bea," Ms. Shaw always has a smile and a kind word for everyone. She has one daughter - Bridgett - and three grandchildren: Brandon, Brittiny, and Kendra. "My three grandchildren are my life," she says. The proud grandmother has raised Brandon since birth. "When he was born at St. Paul, he went home with me and never left. He is now a senior in college, about to receive a degree in physical therapy (sports medicine)," she says. Ms. Shaw, a self-described "cruiser," enjoys traveling and having fun. "Every year for the past 10, I have cruised. My favorite spot is Belize."
Bill Singer, Ph.D.
Bill Singer says his destiny changed from factory worker to future scientist when he was 21 years old. With his blue-collar roots, he had no intention of going to college and started working at a Goodyear Tire factory near his hometown of Topeka, Kansas, when he was 19. Two years later, he was laid off. "The job consisted of difficult physical work, which I didn't want to spend the rest of my life performing." He used his severance to pay for his first year of college. "This turned into a B.S. in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, which led to a postdoctoral position that morphed into a Research Scientist job at UT Southwestern over 25 years." Working in the Departments of Radiation Biology and Biochemistry, Dr. Singer serves as a laboratory researcher and administrator involved in the development and characterization of chemotherapeutic agents that target oncoproteins directly. Away from work, he enjoys listening to music, sports, taking walks, working in the yard, and hanging out with family - his wife, daughter, grandson, and granddaughter. "I feel very fortunate to have a long-standing career at UT Southwestern Medical Center," he says. "This place is truly dedicated to the betterment of humankind!".
Sohrab Sobhi
A Lab Manager in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sohrab Sobhi joined the UT Southwestern community on July 5, 2001.
Kathy Spangler
Even though Kathy Spangler's first job at UT Southwestern lasted only a year, she returned and is now going on 25 years strong. As a Research Associate in the Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, she serves as a chemistry technician in a clinical/research laboratory that diagnoses and treats patients with osteoporosis and kidney stones. Mrs. Spangler describes her greatest claim to fame as working for Dr. Pak when he was formulating Citracal, a drug used to treat osteoporosis. She also has fond memories of holiday traditions. "In the early '80s when Dr. Pak was Chairman of Mineral Metabolism, we had a secret Santa present exchange at Christmas," she recalls. "Dr. Pak would play Santa and hand out the presents." Mrs. Spangler describes herself as a die-hard Texas A&M Aggie football fan. "I used to be a neatnik," she adds, "but you wouldn't know that by looking at my desk." Married to Joe Spangler, she has a son, two stepdaughters, and a 3-year-old grandson. Looking ahead to UTSW's next 75 years, Mrs. Spangler expects the campus to grow even larger and have more Nobel Laureates.
LaTonya Spencer
LaTonya Spencer began her UT Southwestern career in 1991 as an Administrative Assistant in Accounting. She then spent 20 years in the Department of Psychiatry. Now a Billing Specialist II for the Medical Service, Research and Development Plan (MSRDP), she is responsible for billing charges and claim edits for psychiatry services. She credits her UTSW longevity to the mission of providing great patient care, innovative research, and training - and having great co-workers and benefits. Some of her most rewarding memories involved working on a Psychiatry team that made home visits to mentally ill patients who had missed appointments. "We would have garage sales to raise money to help some of the patients who didn't have resources to purchase food, diapers, medications, utilities - whatever urgent need we could assist with," she says. Outside of work, Ms. Spencer volunteers as a Bible study discussion leader and enjoys spending time with her family: her son, who is an adjunct math professor; her daughter, who is preparing to enter law school; and two granddaughters. Her greatest work accomplishment was completing the UT Southwestern Aspiring Leaders Program, she says, "and achieving all the goals from my assignment."
Lannette Strange
Every day, Lannette Strange's job is a challenge - and that's the way she likes it. Celebrating 25 years at UT Southwestern, she began in the Department of Surgery's Burn/Trauma/Critical Care Division. Since 2006, she has served as Administrative Coordinator for the Division of Hypothalamic Research and the Touchstone Center for Diabetes Research. "My two Divisions keep me very busy on a daily basis," she says. "I continue to learn different aspects of my job, and it makes me stronger each day." Co-workers appreciate her positive attitude and willingness to help. "If you ask me a question and I do not know the answer, I will research it for you," says Ms. Strange, who received the Donald W. Seldin Award for Outstanding Service from the Department of Internal Medicine in 2014. A USA Slow Pitch Softball Umpire for D/FW, she received a national umpire award in 2009 and has worked six national softball tournaments. She is also active in the cooking ministry at her church. Her family includes her 84-year-old mother, son Eddie, four grandchildren, and two sisters, including twin Annette Strange Williams, who retired after 21 years at UTSW. On campus, people she doesn't know have greeted Ms. Strange with a hug, mistaking her for her sister. "Just remember, I am the 'good twin,'" she quips.
Joven Taberna
As a Senior Electrical System Technician in the Facilities Management Department, Joven Taberna operates and maintains "the heart" of the UTSW community - the 138,000/13,800 volts main substation that supplies power to most of the campus. He is on call 24/7. A demanding schedule is nothing new to Mr. Taberna, who worked as a civilian with U.S. forces for the duration of Operation Desert Storm. He also spent 10 years in Saudi Arabia helping build a "modest" $10 billion airport. Mr. Taberna says he enjoys working with the people on campus as well as the everyday challenges that come with the growth of the UTSW community. He strives to always treat people fairly and work to the best of his ability. Co-workers know there's never a dull moment when he's around. Mr. Taberna enjoys playing golf and tennis, running, and fishing. He and his wife, Faye, have three daughters - Moriejoy, Jamie, and Carla - and one son, Don. In the next 75 years, Mr. Taberna predicts the campus might have cars that can fly from building to building - like those from The Jetsons cartoon. "And by that time, UTSW will have a cure for cancer."
Dora Trevino
Working in different divisions of Human Resources, Dora Trevino has learned a lot through the years. "I really enjoy what I do," she says. As an Administrative Associate, she supports the Assistant Vice President for HR Administration and the Assistant Vice President for Compensation, Employee Benefits & HRIS, as well as handles tuition reimbursement for the campus, among other duties. "I enjoy being able to help employees get assistance to get their degrees to better their lives," she notes. Mrs. Trevino has earned a reputation for being committed and steady. "I demonstrate commitment because I embrace my assigned duties as they arise and I demonstrate steadiness by continuously being firm in my convictions and maintaining a sense of flexibility as changes are encountered, without breaking who I am." Mrs. Trevino loves cooking for her family. She and her husband have two sons and two daughters, which she considers her greatest accomplishments. A very proud parent, she says: "My three oldest have graduated from college and have their B.A. degrees, and my youngest is on his way and will hopefully have his associate degree when he graduates high school."
Marilyn Turner
Marilyn Turner is always willing to go the extra mile for her patients and co-workers, who describe her as thorough and compassionate. A Pulmonary Function Technologist at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, she conducts tests on patients with suspected respiratory disorders. She says her connections with patients, their families, and co-workers have kept her at UT Southwestern. "My most rewarding memory was working in the NICU with such a wonderful group of nurses," she says. "Together, we took care of our preemie babies. Seeing those same babies grow and return for the annual preemie party was so special." Skydiving is on Mrs. Turner's bucket list, and she enjoys line dancing, traveling, and maintaining close-knit relationships with family and friends. She and her husband, Calvin Turner, have been married for 30 years. Their family includes son Dwight, daughters Shawna, Tara, and La Tasha, and grandchildren Kyndall, Sydney, Landyn, Peyton, and Nicholas. Mrs. Turner's vision for the next 75 years: "I expect UT Southwestern to be on the cutting edge of new innovative stem cell therapy for lung regeneration."
Joseph Wayne Twyman
Joseph Wayne Twyman began his UT Southwestern career 25 years ago as a Mechanic Helper. Today, as an HVAC Tech II in the Utilities Department, he serves as the lead mechanic who schedules the jobs each day. He says the people he works with and the University's commitment to superior service have kept him working at UTSW for so long. "That is so important for families that need good service, and I am so glad we have a huge part of it," he explains. Co-workers know Mr. Twyman as a dependable employee who backs his word. He always works hard to get the job done, strives to be helpful to everyone, and loves to teach others. In his free time, he is a weather hobbyist and enjoys traveling.
Jo Urquhart
Jo Urquhart began her UT Southwestern career as a Secretary in 1992. Today, she is a Senior Education Coordinator in the Department of Dermatology who handles all the Department's educational responsibilities, including the residency program and students. "My job has evolved over the years, so I have always been able to stay engaged. I have never had a reason to leave," she says of her UTSW longevity. "UT Southwestern is a wonderful place to work with great benefits, which was especially important when my children were younger." Ms. Urquhart has taken pride in seeing more than 150 Dermatology residents graduate from UT Southwestern. "I have enjoyed watching them go from eager medical students to wonderful dermatologists," she says. Away from work, Ms. Urquhart enjoys traveling, needlework, and mystery books. Her children are now grown: Her daughter is a graphic designer and her son is a pharmacy tech. She also has "way too many cats."
Azita Vaziri
Since 1992, Azita Vaziri has been serving as a Cytogenetic Technologist in the CLS Cytogenetics Laboratory. As senior technologist in the lab, she analyzes all types of samples, trains other technologists, and writes preliminary reports on cases for her director. Keeping her motivated are a love of chromosomes and wonderful co-workers. Her most unusual case was also a personal one: "It was when a doctor suggested that I had to have an amniocentesis done when I was pregnant. I actually was able to look at my daughter's chromosomes." Ms. Vaziri says co-workers know her as a woman with a strong maternal instinct. They might be surprised to learn, however, that she also is a rebel who is not afraid to fight for justice. Away from work, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and making floral arrangements. She and her husband have a 16-year-old daughter. Over the next 75 years, she expects UTSW to continue building on the strong ethics of its employees.
Moses Walker
A Biomed Technician II in Biomedical Engineering, Moses Walker provides service and maintenance on medical equipment along with user support. His first UTSW job was with home health services at the former St. Paul University Hospital. "UT Southwestern is a great place to work and grow," he says. One of his most rewarding UTSW memories is winning the Diana and Richard C. Strauss Service Excellence Award, which honors employees for demonstrating a professional and positive manner, dedication to teamwork, compassion for patients, guests, and co-workers, a strong work ethic, dependability, and enthusiasm. That's no surprise, since co-workers consider Mr. Walker a people person. "I can get along with anyone," he says. He's also happy to pitch in to help get things done. Away from work, Mr. Walker enjoys yardwork and traveling around Texas on his motorcycle. "I see UT Southwestern finding cures for illnesses in the near future," he adds.
Marie Warwick
As Department Administrator in the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Marie Warwick partners with institutional leaders in operations and strategic planning for the Center. "I like to describe it as fighting fires and herding cats," she says. Her UT Southwestern career began in 1992 as an Administrative Coordinator in the former Office of General Services. "I get great satisfaction seeing a work unit become an integrated team and become more efficient, informed, and organized under my leadership," Ms. Warwick says, explaining her UTSW longevity. She is also a 17-year breast cancer survivor who has participated in eight three-day, 60-mile breast cancer walks, raising over $53,000. Her family includes her husband of 38 years, son, daughter-in-law, 8-year-old grandson, a sister who also works at UTSW, three brothers, and multiple nieces and nephews. She enjoys spending time with her grandson, traveling, walking, hiking, and reading.
Selina Whittenburgh
Selina Whittenburgh's first job at UT Southwestern involved lab assistance. Now she works in Housekeeping. "Helping others and being around people" keeps her at UTSW, she says. "I like my job. I have been recognized by my Department and various facilities that I have worked in. This makes me proud to be here," Ms. Whittenburgh adds. She is known for her friendliness and ability to keep everyone laughing. "I always speak to everyone and make everyone feel supported," she says. Co-workers might be surprised to know she used to be a model. Away from work, Ms. Whittenburgh spends time with her church community and enjoys crocheting, shopping, and going to the movies. She has four sons, 12 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. "UT Southwestern impresses me because of the opportunities for growth and the support that I get from my managers and Department," says Ms. Whittenburgh, who envisions UT Southwestern's next 75 years may include finding a cure for cancer.
Shannon Williams
Although Shannon Williams has been Director of Student Enrollment Services for only a year, her record shows 25 years of state service. Her UT System career began in 1993 at UT Arlington's School of Nursing. "I had an office manager title and didn't know I was their academic adviser until registration opened that term, and students started streaming in to see me," she recalls. "I was one of only a handful of professional staff advisers at UTA at the time." The experience paid off. She became UTA's Associate Director of Academic Advising and then Director, which led to 10 years as Associate Registrar. Now at UTSW, Ms. Williams oversees student admissions, records, registration, and graduation for all three UT Southwestern schools. "It's a privilege to be here," she says. "I have the best job I possibly could have." Ms. Williams' partner is the Registrar at the University of North Texas. The rest of her family includes a daughter, son-in-law, and 13-month-old grandchild "who brings joy to our lives."